The Art of What We Do (Part 2 of 5)
- Michael Houck
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Arts Council?
Over the next four weeks, we’re pulling back the curtain to share how we serve Fayetteville and Cumberland County through creative programs, community connections, and vibrant visual arts experiences. Whether you're strolling through our downtown gallery, visiting from out of town, or just getting to know the cultural side of Fayetteville, this is your guide to what we really do — and how it all comes together.
This week, we spoke with Michael Houck, our Director of Grants and Allocations, about our grant programs.
How do you reach members of the community?
We meet the community where they are: at festivals, performances, markets, schools, and even online. Our grantmaking staff stay active and visible, connecting with artists, nonprofits, and creative programs that could benefit from support. We use both traditional advertising and strong digital marketing, especially to reach individual artists. Our team, board, and volunteers are always keeping an eye out for innovative, community-based work to uplift.
Who are some community members that you serve?
Our grantmaking touches every corner of Cumberland County. We serve nonprofit organizations, municipal offices, colleges and universities, and individual artists and collectives. In the 2024-2025 school year, our Artists In Schools program reached more than 17,000 students in 65 schools, including 77% of local Title I schools. Teaching artists from across disciplines provided performances and workshops, helping students access the arts in meaningful ways.
Our CORE Grant supports major cultural institutions that draw visitors and drive tourism, like Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, and Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. We also lift up grassroots and community-centered programs, like Crossroads Outreach, Artist Village Community Theater, and public art in Spring Lake. Through the Municipal Arts Allocation program, even small towns like Wade, Godwin, and Eastover receive dedicated arts funding for their local celebrations and festivals.
How do you receive funding?
Our funding comes from a mix of public and private sources. Key support comes through partnerships with the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, the State of North Carolina, and the North Carolina Arts Council. Our largest source of funding is the local Occupancy Tax, which directly supports programs that encourage cultural tourism. We also apply for private foundation grants, and we rely on donations from individuals to increase general operating support for local organizations, which can create a greater impact than project-based funding.
How do you impact the local economy and tourism?
With the exception of the Artist Support Grant program that we manage for the North Carolina Arts Council, every dollar we grant stays right here in Cumberland County. Whether it’s a theater production, an artist-led workshop, or a music performance, our grantees spend those funds locally to hire artists, rent venues, print programs, and buy supplies from small businesses. In our most recent fiscal year, we awarded $71,000 in Mini Grants to local artists. These funds helped launch exhibitions, performances, and public projects that not only engaged residents but also drew visitors.
By supporting organizations that provide consistent, high-quality cultural programming, we help make Cumberland County a vibrant destination. Our investments create jobs, support local businesses, and ensure that creativity and culture remain essential parts of our community’s identity and economy.
Want to help support the arts?
Give today and help us continue making an impact on arts and culture here in Fayetteville | Cumberland County.
For regular updates on the Arts Council, follow this organization on Facebook (@ArtsCouncilFay) or Instagram (@artscouncilfay).
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